APRILSKIN Carrotene IPMP Hydromelt Cleansing Balm Review: The Makeup-Melting Game Changer for Oily & Acne-Prone Skin
If there is one thing you know about me, it is this: I love trying skincare and makeup. Especially products that claim to make life easier for oily, acne-prone, sensitive skin girls like us. So when I got my hands on the APRILSKIN Carrotene IPMP Hydromelt Cleansing Balm, I was excited… but also a little skeptical.
I have tried cleansing balms before. Some sting. Some leave a greasy film. Some break me out. And some just do not remove makeup the way they promise.
But this one? Let’s just say… it surprised me in the best way possible. Today, I am giving you my full, honest review, story time style, plus everything you need to know if you struggle with blackheads, whiteheads, excess oil, or stubborn glam makeup.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through the links above at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure for more info.
First Impressions: The Texture That Sold Me
The first thing I noticed? The texture. It is described as sorbet-like, and that’s exactly what it feels like. When you scoop it out, it looks firm. But the second it touches your skin? It melts instantly into this silky oil.
And if you are someone with oily or acne-prone skin, I know what you are thinking: “Oil? On my oily skin? No thanks.” But stay with me.
This formula is non-comedogenic, meaning it’s designed not to clog pores. That is huge. Especially if you are dealing with breakouts and congestion. It’s also made with 79% coconut-derived oil, which helps dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum, without leaving your skin feeling stripped or tight.
The Night I Tested It on a Full Glam Look
Okay, let us talk about the real test. I wore a full glam look that day: foundation, concealer, setting powder, blush, bronzer, and a waterproof mascara. The works. Usually, removing this kind of makeup takes:
- A cleansing balm
- A foaming cleanser
- Micellar water
- And sometimes… a prayer
So I went in with the APRILSKIN balm. I scooped a generous amount and massaged it all over my dry face. Immediately, I could see my makeup melting. Foundation breaking down. Mascara dissolving. Everything turning into this creamy, melted mixture.
But here is the part that shocked me: I left it on for about 2 minutes as advised. Yes. I let it sit and really work. I gently massaged it in circular motions, focusing on areas where I usually get clogged pores, around my nose and chin. Then I rinsed. And when I tell you my makeup was completely gone… Completely. Gone.
No leftover foundation. No panda eyes. No second cleanse needed to “finish the job.” I didn’t even feel the need to reach for another cleanser to fix what it missed, because it did not miss anything. I literally stood there staring at my skin like… “Wait. That’s it?
Why It Works So Well (Let’s Talk Ingredients)
This is not just another cute Korean skincare product with pretty packaging. The ingredients are actually doing something.
1. Carrotene IPMP Complex
This is the star. Carrotene IPMP helps reduce excess oil and sebum production, which is key if you struggle with:
- Blackheads
- Whiteheads
- Blemishes
- Inflammatory acne
It supports clearer pores over time, not just clean skin in the moment. And if you have been following me for a while, you know I love products that do not just give instant results, but long-term benefits too.
2. O-Cymen-5-Ol
This ingredient helps reduce breakouts by supporting a cleaner, healthier skin environment. Translation? It helps calm acne-prone skin instead of triggering it. For anyone scared of cleansing balms because you have broken out before, this is important.
3. Grapefruit Peel Oil
Not only does this give the balm a light, fresh scent, but it also contributes to clarifying benefits. And do not worry, despite containing essential oil, I personally found it gentle and non-irritating.
No stinging, no redness, and no burning eyes. And yes, it’s eye-safe. I used it to remove mascara and did not experience irritation.
2-in-1 Double Cleansing Solution
Here is something I love: it works as a 2-in-1 double cleansing solution. Traditionally, double cleansing means:
- Oil-based cleanser.
- Water-based cleanser.
But with this balm? It melts away makeup, sunscreen, and sebum so effectively that it feels like it’s already done the heavy lifting of both steps. Of course, if you prefer following with a gentle foam cleanser, you still can.
But on days when you’re tired? This balm alone gets the job done. And as someone who creates content, wears makeup often, and needs reliable skincare at the end of the day, that convenience matters.
Perfect for Oily & Sensitive Skin
Let us talk skin types. This cleansing balm is:
- Non-comedogenic.
- Free from artificial colors.
- Gentle on sensitive skin.
- Hydrating, not stripping.
After rinsing, my skin didn’t feel tight or squeaky (which is actually not a good sign). It felt soft, balanced, and Clean. And the biggest win? It did not leave that greasy residue some balms do.
My pores did not feel clogged. My skin did not feel suffocated. It just felt fresh. If you have oily, combination, or acne-prone skin, this might be one of the safest balm options to try.
Korea’s No.1 Cleansing Balm? Let’s Talk About That
This balm is not just popular on TikTok. It’s known as Korea’s number one Cleansing Balm, winning multiple awards and selling 428,000 units in South Korea within one year of launch (as of January 2024).
And if you know anything about Korean skincare, you know the standards are high. K-beauty does not play when it comes to gentle but effective formulations. The fact that it’s manufactured and directly imported from Korea adds to its credibility.
My Honest Thoughts After Using It
You know I don’t hype products unless they truly impress me. And this one? It amazed me how quick and effective it is. The fact that I remove a full glam look in one cleanse, without scrubbing aggressively, says everything. Here is what stood out most:
✔ Melts makeup instantly
✔ Removes waterproof mascara
✔ Doesn’t sting eyes
✔ Leaves skin hydrated, not dry
✔ Doesn’t clog pores
✔ Suitable for sensitive skin
✔ Helps with blackheads & breakouts
After consistent use, I also noticed my nose area (where I usually get blackheads) looked clearer and less congested. And that’s a big deal for me.
Who I Recommend This To
I would honestly recommend this to:
- Makeup lovers who wear full glam regularly.
- Oily skin girls tired of greasy balms.
- Acne-prone skin babes scared of oil cleansers.
- Sensitive skin queens who need something gentle.
- Anyone struggling with blackheads.
If you have avoided cleansing balms because you think they will break you out, this might change your mind.
How I Use It (Step-by-Step)
If you are curious, here is my exact method:
- Scoop a generous amount onto dry hands.
- Apply to dry face.
- Massage in circular motions for 1–2 minutes.
- Focus on the nose, chin, and areas with congestion.
- Rinse with lukewarm water.
- Pat dry.
Optional: Follow with a gentle foam cleanser if you prefer traditional double cleansing. Simple, effective, and no drama.
Watch My Full Try-On & Demo
I filmed the entire process, from full glam to completely bare skin, so you can see exactly how it performs in real time. I will include the link below so you can watch the full demo and see how quickly it melts everything off. Because sometimes you just need to see it to believe it. Click here to watch.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
Short answer? Yes. Long answer? If you want a cleansing balm that:
- Removes heavy makeup effortlessly.
- Supports acne-prone skin.
- Reduces excess oil.
- Helps with blackheads.
- Feels gentle and hydrating.
- And doesn’t clog pores.
Then the APRILSKIN Carrotene IPMP Hydromelt Cleansing Balm is absolutely worth trying. As someone who genuinely loves testing skincare and sharing honest reviews with you, I can confidently say this one earned a permanent spot in my routine.
And you know I do not say that lightly.
